Sunshade attachment for deck chairs and the like



H. WENKER July 18, 1939. I

SUNSHADE ATTACHMENT FOR DECK CHAIRS AND THE LIKE Filed April 25, 1939 Q ZZIF/Z Patented July 18, 1939 PATENT OFFICE SUNSHADE ATTACHMENT FOR- DECK OHAIRS AND THE LIKE Henry Wenker, Elizabeth, N. J.

Application April 25, 1939, Serial No. 269,828

1 Claim. (Cl, 135-5) My invention relates to sunshades and is intended for use on deck chairs and similar appliances which serve as a body rest for outdoor recreation.

The general object of my invention is to provide a sunshade or screen disposed across, and slidably attached at opposite edges to two upwardly arched hoops or frames, one of the frames being mounted on the chair frame close to the rear end of the chair, the other frame being similarly mounted close to the front end of the chair, thereby providing protection against sun or rain and enabling the user of the chair to make adjustments of the shade, according to his personal preferences or to changing weather conditions, without leaving the chair and without adandoning his reclined and relaxed position.

A further object of the invention is to provide a sunshade which may be purchased separately and applied to a deck chair by individuals who are already in possession of such a chair; however, deck chairs in conjunction with the sunshade herein described form also part of the invention.

The nature and advantages of the invention will be better understood when the following detailed description is read in connection with the accompanying drawing, the invention residing in the combination and arrangement of parts as claimed.

In the drawing forming part of this specification like numerals of reference indicate similar parts in the several views and wherein:

Figure 1 is a view in perspective of the assembled sunshade,

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken on line 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an enlarged detail sectional view of the connection between one of the frames and one of its supports.

Figure 4 is a similar view of the connection between the other frame and one of its supports.

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view of one of the frames.

Figure 6 is a similar view of the other frame.

Figure 7 is a view taken on line 1-'l of Figure 1 showing the connection between the screen and one of the frames.

Figure 8 is a sectional view taken on line 8-8 of Figure 1.

A sunshade embodies in accordance with my invention two frames l and 2, and suitable screen fabric 3 slidably attached to the frames by means of hemstitches 4 and in active position stretched taut between the frames as shown in Fig. 1. The

frames in operative position are attached to the head and foot ends respectively of a deck chair by means of metal supports 5 which are screwed to the framework of the chair in the positions indicated in the drawing and engage with the 6 inward-bent ends 6 of the frames in the manner shown clearly in Figs. 2, 3 and 4. Conforming with the structural dimensions of the prevailing type of deck chairs, the frame connected with the head end of the chair is somewhat wider and 10 lower than the frame connected with the foot end of the chair, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6; for the same reason the angle formed betweenv each frame and the respective part of the framework of the chair to which it is attached, is somewhat 15 different, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, these angles being selected with the consideration in View that in operative position both frames shall be parallel with respect to each other and that a line connecting corresponding points of both frames shall form a right angle with each frame, thereby insuring the even tension of the fabric stretched between the frames.

The Width of each frame in unengaged position is somewhat smaller than the distance between the supports to which it is to be applied; this arrangement, by utilizing the inherent elasticity of the frames, allows to apply and remove the frames easily and expeditiously, while holding them rigidly to the chair when in active position.

It is easily understood that the sunshade attachment described herein can be used to advantage only if the deck chair is adjusted to a definite angle of inclination; as shown in Fig. 1, the most inclined position of the chair has been 35 selected for this purpose, as it is the most likely to suit a majority of users.

From the foregoing it will be obvious that the screening material may be raised and lowered at will on either side of the chair to admit or exclude the rays of the sun or to offer temporary protection against rain. As an additional advantage, protection against wind may be provided by fastening a separate piece of suitable fabric 1 longitudinally to the sunshade proper by means of snap fasteners 8 and 9, as shown in detail in Fig. 8, so as to form a windshield on one side of the chair. Dash and dot lines It and II indicate the position of the windshield 1 if the screen 3 is moved to the opposite side of the chair.

After use, and prior to folding of the deck chair, the frames are removed and, if so desired, the screening material may be removed from the frames and folded for storage.

I do not desire to be limited or restricted to the particular method of attaching the screening material to the frames employed, as other methods than the use of hemstitches may be employed for disposing screening material, between the frames without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Although I have herein shown and described only one form of sunshade attachment for deck chairs embodying my invention, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications may be made therein wtihout departing from the spirit of the invention, and within the scope of the appended claim.

I claim:

In a sunshade attachment for deck chairs and the like the combination with a chair frame of a sunshade comprising an upwardly arched frame detachably mounted on the chair frame close to the rear end of the chair, a similar frame detachably mounted on the chair frame close to the front end of the chair, an elongated rectangular fabric sheet disposed across said frames, and

means slidably securing two opposite edges of 10 said sheet to the frames.

HENRY WENKER. 

